Kitchen Exhaust Fans Vary In Effectiveness In Reducing Indoor Air Pollution

These systems vary widely in price, loudness, power consumption and effectiveness in removing pollution. But the authors note that there is no rating standard to help consumers know which hood is best at capturing pollutants. They set out to measure the performances of seven different over-the-range hood designs.

The scientists found that none of the devices performed well in all of the key functions: fan efficiency, efficiency in capturing polluted air for exhaust and sound levels. Two hoods that operated quietly and removed 70 to 90 percent of pollutants had high fan speeds that hurt their efficiencies. A third device, which proved to be the best at removing contaminated air from the burners and the oven, was so loud that it made normal conversation impossible. 

The authors suggest that the best option may not require buying a new hood at all: “Routine use of even moderately effective venting range hoods can substantially reduce in-home exposures to cooking and burner-generated air pollutants. Effectiveness can be substantially enhanced by preferential use of back versus front cooktop burners and by using higher fan settings.” The study includes a table comparing prices and performances of the models tested.

The authors acknowledge funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Program, HUD’s Healthy Homes Program, the U.S. EPA Indoor Environments Division and the California Energy Commission’s PIER program.

Contacts and sources:
Michael Bernstein
American Chemical Society